Lorna Q. Israel, a faculty member and the Graduate Program Coordinator of the Department of International Studies, took the stage as a featured speaker at the "Gender Talks on Women: Gender Roles in the Defense Sector" event, hosted by the National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP) on March 13, 2023, as part of Women’s Month celebrations.

The 'Gender Talks' session centered around a screening of the film "Barbie" (2023), which provided poignant insights into the complexities of challenging societal norms surrounding gender roles. Ms. Israel highlighted how films like Barbie play a crucial role in either reinforcing existing norms or catalyzing societal change.

Engaging the audience, Ms. Israel prompted participants to reflect on how the film influenced their perceptions of gender roles. Responses varied, with some attendees identifying with Barbie and Ken as symbols of evolving gender norms, while others confessed to holding onto traditional beliefs favoring men in leadership roles and women in supportive positions.

Joining Ms. Israel was Maj. Leah Joy Lopez PAF, the Chief Operations Officer of the 206th Tactical Helicopter Squadron in Zamboanga City. Maj. Lopez shared her personal resonance with the film's message, drawing parallels between its themes and her experiences navigating the challenges of being a woman in the military.

In his concluding remarks, NDCP President Lt. Gen. Ferdinand M. Cartujano PAF (Ret) emphasized the significance of Women’s Month as a catalyst for fostering a progressive and inclusive society. Lt. Gen. Cartujano's anecdote about being "Ken" to his wife further underscored the importance of challenging traditional gender roles and promoting equality.

The event at the National Defense College exemplified the institution's commitment to advancing gender equity within the defense sector and broader society. By encouraging dialogue and critical reflection, initiatives like these contribute to building a more inclusive and equitable future for all.

Photo credit: NDCP